Embrace new ways, Steven Sim tells sports fraternity

Stakeholders must ditch the culture adopted by the previous administration and embrace changes instead of taking things for granted.

In pushing for reforms, including allowing clubs to play a more active role in the sporting ecosystem, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim said certain parties are still not used to being questioned or challenged.

“They (stakeholders) are used to the old ways of doing things … they are comfortable with the approach of the old administration. They also take things for granted,” Sim said.

“For example, the national sports associations (NSAs) must always be right. They are not used to being challenged. Don’t get me wrong, we enjoy a friendly relationship with NSAs and our doors are always open.”

Sim said such an attitude was typical and expected, likening it to a person’s first day at work.

“There will be unfamiliarity. But we have to adjust and not take things for granted.”

Sim highlighted the recent departures of shuttlers from the national stable was, in fact, a positive sign for Malaysian sports.